Hilarie Burton talked to Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello about her upcoming 'One Tree Hill' exit. It sounds like she wants to make it clear that everything was done amicably.

There really wasn't a lot of turmoil [about the decision to leave the show]. It was a fabulous six-year run,
which is how long my contract was for, and I feel really lucky to have
been a part of the show. So when I hear that there's turmoil or
negotiations based on money it kind of hurts my feelings, because it's
not what's been going on at all. I think my fan base in particular
knows that money isn't necessarily a big motivator for me, that's why I
work in the world of independent film.

For me, it was definitely an
emotional decision [to leave the show]. And a professional decision as well. I got really,
really lucky. One Tree Hill was my very first television audition; it
was a fairytale. I feel really lucky to have that level of success
right out of the gate."

So was it Hilarie's decision to leave or, as Ausiello says, "The Powers That Be"?

I think everyone was kind of agreeable about the situation.
There were a lot of really wonderful conversations. It wasn't a rash
decision; a lot of thought, emotion, and kindness was put into it. I
would hope that that's the story that gets out -- that it was a bunch
of adults being good to each other and being kind about the
decision-making process."

This definitely contradicts Chad Michael Murray's video, but everyone has different perspectives on big decisions like this. It sounds like it is important to Hilarie to leave the show on good terms and that she genuinely cares for her 'One Tree Hill' colleagues.

Chad's rep declined to comment for the article.

You can read Hilarie's entire interview here.

Photos by Wenn.com

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